committee

Ashland residents may see a new YMCA -- that's because a committee said it wants to raise $500,000 in the next 5 years to jump start a new branch of the Jefferson City Area YMCA.

Spokesperson, George Hartsfield, of the Jefferson City Area YMCA, is overseeing the committee’s proposal. He said he wants the public to know the $500,000 isn’t necessarily going to build a new gym just yet.

Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid announced the appointment of a citizens committee Thursday. The group’s job will be to inform the community of a proposed tax increase to improve the city sewage system. Third Ward City Councilman Karl Skala says Columbia needs this proposal.

“Our sewer system is just wearing out in some places, in particular on the West side in the fourth Ward there are a lot of common collectors, as they’re known and those have the responsibilities of the home owners to maintain those sewer lines,” Skala says.